Dear IUSD Families,
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape our world, preparing students and the adults who support them to use it proficiently and responsibly is essential. Our goal, as we integrate AI tools, is to create new efficiencies for our staff and to support teachers by streamlining the work involved in differentiating instruction so that they have more time to connect with students and personalize learning. We are committed to harnessing the power of these tools; however, our number one priority is ensuring that student data is protected and AI is used responsibly. To that end, we have strong safeguards in place to protect your child and support their learning.
In the coming weeks, your child’s principal will be sharing information about AI and how it will be used in your student’s school. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit iusd.org/AI to learn more, including details about the AI platforms we use (Gemini, MagicSchool, and Snorkl), as well as helpful tips and resources for families.
We already know that AI is a powerful tool, but we also know that it is the talented and dedicated teachers and staff who ensure that our students' needs remain at the heart of teaching and learning. As we implement these new tools, our educators will continue to play the primary role in preparing our students for a world changing faster than any of us could have foreseen.
IUSD’s AI Core Beliefs and Practices
Our approach to AI is guided by a core set of beliefs and considerations:
- Enhancing Human Potential: We believe AI should serve as a tool to amplify human creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, not replace them.
- Equity and Access: We are committed to ensuring equitable access to developmentally appropriate AI technologies and literacy for all students.
- Ethical and Responsible Use: We prioritize the ethical implications of AI, focusing on fairness, transparency, accountability, and avoiding bias.
- Future Readiness: We aim to prepare students for a world where AI is increasingly prevalent, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate and contribute to an AI-driven society.
- Collaboration with Parents: We believe in open dialogue and collaboration with parents as we integrate new technologies like AI into our educational practices. Your input and understanding are invaluable.
Protecting Student Data Privacy
Protecting our students is a top priority. Â鶹ÊÓƵ committed to safeguarding student data when AI tools are used. In our selection of Gemini, MagicSchool, and Snorkl, the following considerations were key in our decision-making process.
- , , and other regulations: We adhere to all federal and state privacy laws (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, etc.) that govern student data.
- Vendor agreements: We carefully vet all AI tools and vendors to ensure they have robust data security measures and do not use student data to train their models or for commercial purposes.
- Anonymization: When possible and appropriate, data used with AI tools will be anonymized to protect individual student identities.
- No personally identifiable information input: Students and staff will be educated on the importance of never inputting sensitive personal information (like full names, addresses, or specific identifying details) into public AI tools.
We encourage you to explore the resources on iusd.org/AI to understand how AI can support your child’s learning and the steps you can take as a parent to support the safe and responsible use of these tools. If you have questions, please reach out to your principal and/or teacher(s).
Thank you for partnering with us as we prepare our students for colleges, careers, and life beyond IUSD.
Sincerely,
Cassie Parham
Superintendent of Â鶹ÊÓƵ
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